Happy Friday. The time has come….Malbon has nearly collected all the Infinity stones after announcing their sponsorship of Freddy ‘Boom Boom’ Couples.
At this point, fighting back is futile. They are inevitable. It’s a run that will be studied for years to come. The question is… when are you making the switch?
🗂️ IN THIS ISSUE
→ A shirt brand built for drinking beers (or at least feel like it)
→ Some editor picks for your next night on the town
→ The new jacket trend making Michael Phelps jealous
⭐ Brand Spotlight: Criquet Shirts
Picture yourself in Austin, TX drinking some Lone Star at a dive bar listening to live music while sitting on a bar stool. Maybe some tacos too, I don’t know.
The point is that life is good. That’s exactly the type of feeling Criquet Shirts has bottled into their clothes.
Founded in Austin by 2 guys wanting to avoid working 9-5s and do something they actually enjoy. They started with a laid-back take on the classic polo shirt - featuring a Texas-sized collar, chest pocket, and a longer, 4 button placket.
Fast forward to today and they’ve expanded to pants, jackets, and even cashmere sweaters.
Lots of clothing brands develop what they they people want to see what sticks. Criquet is hoping by making the clothes they enjoy, customers will feel the same…and it’s paying off.
Our favorites:
Performance Fishing Shirt
Slim Fit Long Sleeve Players Shirt → The OG of Criquet shirts but the long sleeve better balances the wide collar.
Coach’s Performance Player Shirt → Collegiate gear is a nice alternative to what looks like team issued gear.
Performance Seersucker Fishing Shirt → A lightweight button-down for summer nights or actual fishing (bc who doesn’t have time for that).
Shop Criquet Shirts here.
✍️ Editor’s Picks
Soft Goods x Sandlot Goods Wool Football Hat → We can’t stress enough the utility of a wool hat in the winter time. Made in the midwest, for the midwest. Shop here
Bonobos Italian Wool Car Coat → Collar up or down, in the car or on the town. Shop here
Diadora Trainer Harry Sneaker → Great alternative to when everyone else is wearing the Adidas Samba, and hairy suede is a perfect texture for winter. Shop here
🔮 Trend to Watch For
Swim team jackets but for winter
Our IG feeds are showing more sherpa-lined robe jackets that mimic what Michael Phelps wore before jumping into the pool.
Some brands to watch for:
QUESTION —>
Are you here for the swimmer jacket?
⛳ Miscellaneous but Noteworthy
Freddy got Malbon’d
Vuori announces new line of ski gear→ First they came for our quarterbacks, now for our X-gamers. Clean look just in time for the slopes.
The perfect ChatGPT prompt for when you need to complete an outfit → Copy/paste your way through your next wardrobe challenge.
Malbon X Freddy Couples → It’s just so genius on both sides. Malbon already had Gen Z, now they going for the Boomers. Freddy continues to be the coolest.
🎸 What We’re Listening To
Tiesto - Bring me to life
Nostalgia is everywhere these days but perhaps the best “nature is healing” moment is Tiesto’s return to trance music. His new single “Bring Me To Life” is his first release from his upcoming album expected in 2026.
You can catch Tiesto play this and some upcoming tracks at his 3hr set at the Great Pyramids of Giza today, December 19. Fire up the PJ!
That’s all folks!
Gif by themasters on Giphy
Stay cool, swing easy.
— Riley, Founder & Editor
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ABOUT CLEVER
Clever The Optimist is a weekly newsletter curating elevated menswear and golf gear for guys who refuse to settle.
Founded by Riley Kearns in 2024.
Based in Columbus, OH.